Legislature Passes Expansion of Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

SB 672 (Gaetz, D.), a priority bill of Senate President Andy Gardiner, was unanimously passed (39-0) in the Senate chamber on Wednesday, January 13. With the passage of a late-filed amendment by Senator Don Gaetz (R-Destin), the Florida Personal Learning Scholarship Accounts Program was renamed The Gardiner Scholarship. President Gardiner, who has a son with Down Syndrome, has made it a priority to assist people with developmental disabilities throughout his time in office. The bill expands the program, which helps families of children with disabilities cover special education costs, to include eligibility for autism spectrum disorder and muscular dystrophy and 3- and 4-year-olds. On Thursday, the House took-up SB 672 and passed it ( 109-1). The bill has been sent to the governor for his signature.